In the ever-evolving world of biohacking, what’s trending one moment can quickly feel outdated the next.
With countless gadgets available, all claiming to enhance your health in varied and sometimes outlandish ways, it’s tough to discern which truly make a difference.
I’m on a quest to figure that out.
According to Dave Asprey, the founder of the biohacking movement, he gets to see numerous innovative technologies as they emerge. “I have the opportunity to see all kinds of technologies as they first come out,” he mentioned.
Asprey, a well-known entrepreneur and author, continuously evaluates new devices, weighing their value not just in terms of cost but also in the most valuable resource for a biohacker: time.
“My primary goal is to achieve better results in less time,” he states, emphasizing efficiency.
Asprey highlights some of his favorite gadgets at Upgrade Labs, which he describes as “the world’s first AI-powered longevity center.” Here, members can access modern treatments that biohacking enthusiasts, including billionaires, often discuss—all for about the same price as a regular gym membership.
“Every piece of technology has been vetted and tested in my home,” says Griff Long, president of Upgrade Labs and a seasoned endurance athlete.
However, Asprey adds that, while many devices have efficacy, not all truly work. “What I’m really asking is if this device justifies the time invested compared to others,” he said.
Asprey’s aim is for users to gain maximum benefits in minimum time.
This approach is essential because, spending hours trying to enhance longevity can sometimes mean we need to live 50% longer just to break even.
During a recent visit to an Upgrade Lab in Texas, Asprey and Long shared insights on technologies they find particularly promising. Notably, these innovations do not involve drugs or supplements.
First up is a back hug
The Back Hug, marketed as the world’s first robotic back therapist, uses AI to analyze the spine, adjusting 26 robotic “fingers” for targeted relief.
“It’s AI-powered, so it customizes to your body. It’s different from just rolling back and forth on a pad,” noted Long, who also competes for Team USA in triathlons.
The device aims to alleviate stiffness across the back, replicating techniques used by physical therapists.
It tracks tension levels during each session, offering insights into back health, helping users see if they benefit from the therapy.
“This small unit takes just 15 minutes, yet significantly reduces pain,” Long claims.
Early studies back him up. One session reportedly lowered pain levels by about 29%, and after three uses, a 44% decrease in tension was noted.
This is meaningful, considering that roughly 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point, with about 16 million adults facing chronic discomfort.
Next is shift wave
Shift Wave is a chair that generates magnetic pulses. According to Long, you simply sit, wear a headset, blindfold yourself, and engage in breathing exercises while feeling vibrations.
This experience activates your autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
“I had a demo at home for two weeks, and using their ‘quick reset’ protocol was just phenomenal,” Long recalled. “It felt like a total reset, bringing my body back into balance.”
Shiftwave has seen impressive results in high-stress environments. Staff at a Manhattan ICU reported complete pain relief after just a brief session. Firefighters in California and soldiers in Ukraine found significant stress and pain relief as well.
A clinical trial at Tulane University noted that 41% of participants reported less stress after using the device.
Also gaining traction: Pulse PEMF’s Zero Gravity Lounger
Upgrade Labs offers pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), which sends low-level electromagnetic waves through the body to recharge and stimulate cells.
This method is aimed at rebalancing the body’s electrical signals. Studies hint it could enhance cellular processes, bone health, muscle recovery, and even injury prevention.
“When you place this where it hurts, you can actually feel your muscles twitch,” Asprey said.
After trying it myself in Austin, I noticed a significant reduction in back pain and knee discomfort—I felt surprisingly revitalized after just 12 minutes.
Pulsed PEMF has recently unveiled the Zero Gravity Lounger, elevating treatment effectiveness.
This ergonomically designed lounger redistributes weight, minimizing spinal pressure, which helps you relax while undergoing PEMF sessions.
There’s another advantage, too. “We’re exploring ways to combine protocols, allowing for treatments like oxygen therapy while seated in this chair,” Long shared.
Using data for health enhancement
Asprey also discussed Upgrade Labs’ commitment to their new service, AXO Digital Health.
Members can submit test samples for in-depth analysis of over 100 biomarkers. This data is then paired with insights from wearable devices, giving users a comprehensive overview of their health.
“It’s like having a complete picture of what’s going on inside your body,” Asprey noted, stressing that you don’t need to be a member to use this service.
AXO then uses this information to create tailored recommendations aimed at achieving health goals efficiently.
“I want more of that in my routine,” Asprey expressed. “I may not want to be the expert, but I just want a system to guide me.”
